Leeds Institute for Data Analytics Secures £500k MRC Funding for Biomedical Data Science Leadership Project
The grant will fund an ambitious three-year project aimed at enhancing career prospects and leadership opportunities for biomedical data scientists.
The project, titled “Biomedical Data Science and Careers Leadership”, was developed by LIDA’s Health Community in partnership with the Faculty of Biological Sciences, and will be led by a multidisciplinary team of investigators from the University of Leeds.
The team includes Dr. David Westhead (Faculty of Biological Sciences), Dr. Marlous Hall (Faculty of Medicine and Health), Dr. Luisa Cutillo (Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences), Dr. Mark Iles, Dr. Suparna Mitra, and Dr. Sam Relton (all from the Faculty of Medicine and Health).
Supporting and developing research teams is an essential part of our research culture. We’re optimistic that the project will not only improve career prospects for biomedical data scientists but also attract and retain top talent in the field, ultimately enhancing the quality of biomedical research across the UK.
The project brings together a consortium of academic partners, including the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Teesside, and Newcastle, ensuring that best practices in data science careers are identified and broadly applied.
In addition to academic collaboration, the project has garnered support from industry and public sector partners such as Pinpoint Data Science, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, the NHS (West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board), and the Association of British Health Tech Industries.
The initial idea was formed and developed through a series of LIDA Health Community events, where colleagues were able to collaborate, with dedicated time to the subject and have meaningful discussions on challenges and solutions.
This is a fantastic demonstration of how building and growing these multidisciplinary data communities can result in tangible projects that benefit academics, the university as a whole and society. I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes of this initiative.
Addressing Career Barriers in Biomedical Data Science
Biomedical data science is rapidly becoming a critical field in both academia and industry, as it provides essential insights for tackling complex societal challenges. Despite the increasing demand for skilled professionals, significant barriers remain for data scientists, particularly in advancing into leadership roles. These challenges can deter talented individuals from pursuing long-term careers in the field.
In academia, biomedical data scientists often play supporting roles, contributing to the development and implementation of methodologies across various scientific and clinical disciplines. However, traditional academic promotion pathways emphasize individual leadership on research papers and grant applications, which may not adequately recognize the vital contributions of data scientists in collaborative research environments.
Beyond academia, biomedical data scientists are also integral to industry and the public sector, including the NHS. With the growing influence of AI methodologies, these careers are diverse and not always well understood, leading to limited interaction and knowledge exchange between sectors. Additionally, there is a pressing need to enhance the commercialization of academic research in biomedical data science and to foster entrepreneurship among data scientists at all career stages.
Project Objectives and Impact
The Biomedical Data Science and Careers Leadership project aims to address these challenges through several key initiatives:
- Mapping Career Pathways: The project will analyze career pathways and identify barriers to progression for biomedical data scientists in academia and other sectors. The findings will inform recommendations to improve career prospects and leadership opportunities.
- Mentorship and Career Advice: A new mentorship program will be developed for biomedical data scientists, informed by the research on career pathways. Additionally, the project will produce career advice materials for students and early-career researchers.
- Sector Collaboration: The project will implement initiatives to encourage collaboration and career exchanges between academia and other sectors, enhancing knowledge exchange and career permeability.
- Entrepreneurship and Commercialization: To increase entrepreneurship in the field, the project will offer targeted training and resources to biomedical data scientists, aiming to boost the commercialization of academic research.
Looking Ahead
The MRC's funding for this project reflects its commitment to advancing biomedical data science and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of research and innovation in this vital field. The project is expected to commence in October 2024, with a series of events planned to facilitate collaboration, share insights, and drive further investment in the sector.
For more information about the project and its developments, please stay tuned for updates from the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics or contact lida@leeds.ac.uk
